Inspections
This page will help you understand how our schools and settings are inspected and how they meet the standards of UK equivalent educational establishments.
Ofsted
DCS Schools and Settings are not currently able to access Ofsted inspections or inspections via His Majesty’s Inspectorate (HMI) as we used to in the past. An inspection of this kind would provide stakeholders a third level of Defence Assurance (3LoDA).
The Executive Team are working with Ofsted to remedy this.
In the meantime, our schools and settings undergo full reviews of provision using a model known as: Review of School Effectiveness (ROSE).
The review is conducted by the DCS Executive who have a dedicated role known as the Governance and Performance Lead. This role is filled by a trained HMI and forms an additional second level of Defence Assurance (2+ LoDA) above the work carried out by the AH Rest of the World and AH Cyprus and their school improvement teams.
Whilst internal for DCS, the Executive does not sit in the Schools and Settings Pillar and therefore is independent to the line management and outcomes of school or settings leadership.
Note: The links to the most recent inspection outcomes conducted by Ofsted can be found at the bottom of the page.
What is Review of School Effectiveness (ROSE)?
- A ROSE is an internal evaluation process used by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to assess the quality and effectiveness of MOD schools and settings.
- A ROSE is designed to ensure that our schools and settings meet high standards of education, safeguarding, and leadership, while addressing the unique needs of military families.
Key Features of ROSE:
- Focus Areas: ROSE evaluates areas such as teaching quality, pupil outcomes, leadership and management, safeguarding, and the overall school environment.
- Tailored to MOD Schools: It considers the specific context of MOD schools, including the challenges faced by Service children, such as frequent relocations and parental deployments.
- Improvement Oriented: The process is designed to support schools in identifying strengths and areas for development, with a focus on continuous improvement.
Similarities to Ofsted:
- Evaluation Framework: Both ROSE and Ofsted use structured frameworks to assess key aspects of school performance, such as teaching quality, leadership, and pupil outcomes.
- Focus on Safeguarding: Both processes prioritise safeguarding to ensure the safety and well-being of pupils.
- Evidence-Based: Both rely on evidence, such as lesson observations, data analysis, and stakeholder feedback (e.g., from parents, staff, and pupils), to inform their evaluations.
- Accountability: Both aim to hold schools accountable for delivering high-quality education and meeting the needs of their pupils.
There are two types of ROSE conducted:
- Paper ROSE: This is a formal and rigorous evaluation process in which the school’s leadership team undertakes an in-depth review and analysis of the effectiveness of their educational provision. Conducted over 2–3 days, it provides a structured opportunity for Defence Children Services (DCS) leaders to engage in detailed discussions, critically assess strengths, and identify key areas for development. The outcome of this process is a comprehensive action plan, which is closely monitored and supported by the S&S Pillar Heads to ensure sustained progress and accountability
- Full ROSE: This is a formal, onsite visit carried out by a HMI / Ofsted trained professional as described above.
Outcomes of ROSE visits
Following review of a school or setting, the Head Teacher / Setting Manager and the Chair of the SGC are provided with a full report on their educational provision. A copy of this report is shared with local command and parents. Schools and settings who have had a ROSE review are listed below and available via the hyperlink.
| School | Date | Link to Report |
|---|---|---|
| AFNorth International School, Netherlands | November 2024 | Review of School Effectiveness Report (ROSE) Report – AFNORTH School |
| Akrotiri School, Cyprus | December 2024 | Review of School Effectiveness (ROSE) Report – Akrotiri Primary School |
| Attenborough School, Germany | ||
| British Forces School, Naples | ||
| Episkopi School, Cyprus | December 2024 | Review of School Effectiveness (ROSE) Report – Episkopi Primary School |
| Hornbill School, Brunei | ||
| King Richard’s, Cyprus | ||
| Mount Pleasant School, Falkland Islands | ||
| Queen Berengaria School, Cyprus | ||
| SHAPE International School (British Section), Belgium | November 2024 | Review of School Effectiveness (ROSE) Report – SHAPE International School |
| St David’s, Germany | ||
| St John’s, Cyprus | ||
| St Christopher’s, Gibraltar |
Second Level of Defence Assurance (2LoDA)
The Assistant Head (AH) Rest of the World and AH Cyprus have a detailed plan to assure schools and settings are working within the structure of JSP 342 and that school performance, the quality of teaching, leadership capability, and pupil outcomes are in line with or above expectations of all UK maintained schools. The detailed plan is known as a Core Visit Programme and includes set assurance processes each term.
The school improvement team carry out regular visits. Their responses to school development are recorded on the biannual Assurance Board Report which is shared with the General Officer Commanding, Regional Command.
First Level of Defence Assurance (1LoDA)
The Head Teacher or Setting Manager conducts regular assurance checks within their educational establishment in the same manner of schools in the UK. They are ultimately responsible for all pupil outcomes, safeguarding and development of their school. Through regular observations of learning, pupil voice activities, book audits etc. Additionally the school or setting has a detailed School Improvement Plan to develop areas that need improving and a Yearly Self Evaluation Form which is conducted alongside the AH ROW or AH Cyprus.
The School Improvement Plan and Self Evaluation Form are shared as internal working documents. The SGC has access to the full documents and Head Teachers / Setting Managers are expected to share headline developments in their termly reports to governors.
All schools and settings share the headline developments via newsletters so that parents and local stakeholders understand the schools current developments.
The following are links to the Ofsted website where you will find each schools most recent inspection outcomes prior to the introduction of the ROSE.